FRANCE: VISIT OF TASK FORCE ON THE UNITED NATIONS

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 PARIS 003406 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OREP AMGT FR SUBJECT: FRANCE: VISIT OF TASK FORCE ON THE UNITED NATIONS REF: A. STATE 85180 ¶B. SENSIBAUGH-KANEDA E-MAILS ¶1. Embassy Paris welcomes May 31-June 1 visit by the Task Force on the United Nations (ref A) and grants country clearance. ¶2. Embassy Control Officer is Political Assistant Robert Kaneda, who can be reached by phone at (33-1) 43.12.27.44, by fax at (33-1) 43.12.26.63, or by e-mail at kanedarj@state.gov. He can also be reached through the Embassy switchboard at (33-1) 43.12.22.22. When calling from within France, visitors should use the local prefix "01" instead of the international prefix (33-1). ¶3. Based on information in refs A and B, we have begun logistical preparation for the visit. Please advise whether Heather Sensibaugh will be in the delegation when it visits Paris (the e-mail and printed schedule she provided are not clear on that point). Please advise if delegation members want to stay in the George V hotel (above perdiem),where the Gingriches will be staying, or would prefer a hotel within perdiem. Delegation is requested to provide credit card information (brand of card, name on card, card number, expiration date) so that we can hold the rooms. We will do our best to obtain early-morning access to the hotel rooms but some hotels can guarantee early access only if the rooms have been reserved for the previous night. If early-morning access is essential, please authorize us to reserve rooms for the preceding night. We would also appreciate any updates in the schedule so that we can assist with arrival/departure and also arrange a meeting with the Ambassador or charge d'affaires. Embassy will make a vehicle available for airport pickup/departure and for the party's use during its stay in Paris. ¶4. In the event of a crisis or serious international incident involving the United States, visitors should immediately contact the Embassy. ¶5. Mission Media Policy: In accordance with Embassy Paris media policy, visitors from all agencies should coordinate all media events, including press interviews or statements, with the Embassy press officer. ¶6. Embassy wishes to remind visitors that visas are required for holders of U.S. diplomatic or official passports on official business in France. ¶7. Action request: Each visitor must bring a copy of their travel orders (or forward fiscal data) to cover costs of visit. Each agency, organization, or visiting delegation will be charged for the actual costs attributed to their visit. These costs include, but are not limited to, American and FSN overtime, field travel by Embassy employees, vehicle rentals, long distance telephone calls, equipment rentals, representational events and all other costs that are directly attributable to the visit. ¶8. Following is current security information for France: (A) Terrorism: The current terrorism threat in France mirrors the general worldwide threat. Trans-national terror groups such as al-Qaida likely have a presence in France and do present a general threat. French law enforcement and intelligence services are effective in responding to this threat and remain in a heightened state of alert, but cannot completely negate it. For this reason American citizens should practice good personal security when visiting France. Remaining unpredictable is perhaps the simplest but most effective way of ensuring personal safety. This is particularly true when departing or arriving at your place of residence. Being aware of your surroundings and suspicious persons or activities is also critically important. Do not accept packages, do not open hotel doors to strangers and immediately report any suspicious activities to the police (telephone 17) and Regional Security Office (telephone 33.1.43.12.27.96). (B) Crime: Street crime in French cities is similar to that in most large metropolitan areas. The two most frequent crimes are pick pocketing and snatch/run theft. These criminals most often ply their trade on public transportation routes used by tourists and at tourist sites. In Paris, visitors should be particularly alert when using Metro lines number one and two, in addition to the RER trains serving the airports. Tourist sites such as the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, the major museums and the Avenue des Champs Elysees are all areas of heavy activity. Visitors should use hotel safes whenever possible to store valuables and excess cash. Awareness should go up when conditions are crowded. Maintain control of camera and bags; do not carry these items behind you. Criminals on metros often push into you for distraction and pickpocket while doing so. Another technique is to grab valuables and escape just as the metro doors are closing. If credit cards are stolen, proceed to the nearest telephone and immediately notify the card issuer. Stolen credit cards are used immediately. Whenever possible, take a seat or keep your back to a wall when on the metro system. It is also recommended that a photocopy of your passport identification page be carried in lieu of the passport itself. Report any incident to the Regional Security Office as soon as possible. (C) Electronic devices: privately owned laptops and personal computers are prohibited in controlled access areas (CAAs) of the Mission and consulates. Cellular telephones are also prohibited in the CAA and must be left outside this area. Questions concerning other types of electronic devices may be directed to the Information Management Office or Regional Security Office. (D) Travelers planning to stay longer than 30 days are required to schedule a security briefing with the RSO. For additional threat assessment information regarding France and/or Europe, you may contact DS/ITA in the State Department at (202) 663-0787. ¶9. Health Concerns: For up-to-date information on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS),Mad Cow Disease and other health precautions for France, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website contains a detailed analysis of risks involved at: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/diseases.htm. WOLFF